As we inch ever closer to the beginning of on-ice activities and the official beginning of Maple Leafs training camp, we actually have a pretty special event to celebrate today, involving a pair of current Leafs and one former member of the team.
Auston Matthews and Sheldon Keefe both celebrate their birthdays today, on September 17th, as does ex-Maple Leaf Michael Bunting, so we just wanted to wish all 3 a very happy birthday. Matthews turns 26 today, while Keefe turns 43 and Bunting turns 28.
Matthews and Keefe both signed new deals in Toronto this summer, with Matthews inking a 4-year deal, carrying a $13.25M AAV and Sheldon Keefe signed a 2-year extension to remain the team's head coach for at least the next 3 seasons. Meanwhile, Bunting, who was unable to negotiate a new deal in Toronto, signed a multi-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes this summer that will keep him in Raleigh through 2025-26.
As a side note, one of the league's all-time greatest goal scorers is also celebrating his birthday today, as Alex Ovechkin turns 38 years old.
